Hammers snap up Razak

West Ham United are pleased to announce the signing of Ivory Coast international Abdul Razak on a short-term contract.

The 21-year-old is a highly-rated midfielder who began his career with Manchester City and most recently played for Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala.

Razak, who made his Premier League debut at 18, will add athleticism and ability to Sam Allardyce's squad.

The midfielder was born in the city of Bouaké, which is also called home by his former Manchester City team-mates Yaya and Kolo Toure, before moving to England as a boy.

He quickly established himself in City's Development Squad before forcing himself into Roberto Mancini's plans, making a first-team debut at 18 in a Premier League fixture with West Bromwich Albion on 5 February 2011.

A maiden start arrived in September of the same year, when Razak helped City to a 2-0 League Cup third-round win over Birmingham City. He also featured in subsequent victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal in the same competition.

The youngster joined Anzhi, initially on loan, in September 2013, and made eleven appearances for the Russian side in all competitions, including two starts against Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League.

At international level, Razak has been capped five times by Ivory Coast since making his senior debut in a 3-0 friendly win in Austria in November 2012. He also started the Elephants' 2-2 group-stage draw with Algeria at the 2013 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.